Topic: Anyone here ridden a Speed Triple or Buell Firebolt?

[angeldeville]

I'm very seriously considering getting a new bike, and I have narrowed it down to those 2. if anyone has any first-hand experience I would appreciate any input, or if anone has found a side by side review of these 2, I would appreciate a link!

The Buell I'm looking at is the Fire bolt XB9R
http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes/firebolt/xb9r/features.asp

And then there's the Triumph Speed Triple
http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/4527.aspx

I have looked at the Honda 919 (kinda ugly)
the BMW K1200R (very exoensive)

for what I'm looking to spend one of these may end up in my garage. I have looked at both at the deale.

[Jeff]

I've never ridden the S3, but I've lusted after one for about 3 years now. Ultimate hooligan machine. A guy on another forum I frequent had one setup as an excellent sport-touring rig. Gobs of power, lots of wheelies. Cycle World just had a huge naked bike comparo, and basically it was only "beat out" by the Aprilia Tuono.

I've ridden the Buell Firebolt and Lightning, in both XB9 and 12 varieties. The 9 revs a bit higher than the 12. The 12 has more power. They're a different sort of motorcycle. I personally preferred the Lightning 12 over the Firebolt. I just liked the added power. But being an old pushrod motor, they don't rev very high at all, so I constantly was hitting the limiter. That was me not being used to the bike, nothing wrong with the bike itself. The Lightning felt like I was going to fall of the front of the bike. They are extremely compact motorcycles.

If you haven't already, I HIGHLY recommend taking both of them for test rides. A test ride shouldn't be a problem with either of them. Just go and say you want to ride one, or call ahead and make sure they have a demo available.

Both are very different bikes. The S3 is similar feeling to most modern naked/sport bikes, while the Buell is very different and will require an adjustment to the way you ride. The S3 will have LOADS more power than the XB9. S3 is about 115hp/75lb-ft, while the Buell is probably around 75/55. Guessing at those numbers, but I know they're somewhere in that vicinity.

I like both bikes very much and would have a very difficult time choosing between the two. My heart pulls at the Triumph. Good luck with your decision, and post pics of whatever you end up buying.

Check out the Buell section of www.sport-touring.net. There is a loyal Buell group there. Ignore the douchebag who constantly spouts off about the wonders of the V4 engine. Also, I don't know the exact url, but check out bad weather bikers too. I know that's a big Buell owners site. Then for Triumphs there's triumphrat.net, and again a loyal group of owners at sport-touring.net.

Jeff

[Noel]

I rode the previous version of the Speed Triple. It's a hell of an engine. The chassis was okay by modern standards, and -- of course -- amazing by SOHC standards.

It also broke, expensively, before 10,000 miles. I do not know if that's typical of modern Trumpets, but it was pretty funny. Although not to the guy who owned it, I suppose.

[pmpski_1]

I rode an XB9 Lightning last weekend. I would assume that it would be similar to the Firebolt, with a bit different riding position. I've only ridden my CB550 for the last 2 years, and it's been a loooong time since I rode before anything else. That being said, I was amazed at how different the Buell was.

First thing I noticed was that it shook. A lot. Not buzzy, not vibration, straight up shaking like a paint shaker. I've heard lots of Buell guys talking about this, so I was somewhat ready for it, but it was more than I expected. Not a bad thing, just something to get used to.

Next thing I notice is what brakes are supposed to feel like on a bike. Almost felt like I had never ridden before because the were so sticky.

Yes, it is short. But I felt more like the bike was an extension of me than something that I was just hanging on to. Something I found almost comical at first is at idle the engine feels like it's gonna die - if it was an inline 4. At first I wouldn't let it idle at a stoplight because it felt like a CB right before cutting out

Oh yeah, the one I rode had an aftermarket muffler, so it was LOUD. Really loud. To each his own on that one...

There was something that I didn't like - the shifter and the brake are short and too far down. At first I had to look down to hit the shifter.  I couldn't find it by feel. I'm sure there's some reason for that, but I'd look for a replacement that sticks out a bit more, or fab up one if necessary. Same for the brake.

Also, I'm up in the air about the belt drive. Some swear by it, some get rid of it and do a chain conversion. The older models (03) had crappy belts, and many upgraded them, but if you're buying new you shouldn't have to worry about it. Buell has addressed this issue and the new ones are supposedly unbreakable.

I'm not too concerned about power and wheelies, so I can't comment there. I also can't comment on Buell reliability. You always hear about the bad ones, but the good ones just keep on being ridden. I have heard nightmare stories about dealership woes with Buells. Some HD dealers only deal with them because they have to, some are great. (But with a SOHC in your background I'm sure you're quite capable of taking care of anything yourself).

I'm on the other side from Jeff - The Buell is the ultimate for me. In fact, after seeing that bike two years ago I started my quest to get up on two wheels. After seeing the price I got my CB550 instead

The Buell site is http://www.badweatherbikers.com/

[angeldeville]

Thanks for the info and input, I really appreciate it.

I was hesitant to go on Buell or Tri forums to ask the question, because as we all know the bike we normally ride is the best on the planet! (especially those SOHC Honda's)

I'm also considering longevity of ownership, I expect I'll have this bike when my SOHC's are 60+ years old, so in that respect I'd lean toward the Buell, since Harley type drivetrains seem to have a lot of after market and replacement parts available.

But the S3 is so damn sexy!

The newest bike I currently own is a 1978F, and the newest bike I have ever owned was a 1984 V65Sabre from 2002-2003.

Then I think of how many old Honda's I could buy with the money, and I have second thoughts about getting either of them.


decision, decisions......

I'll keep you posted if I can make a decision...


any other input is apreciated!

[prsman23@hotmail.c]

I've ridden  buell's before and they are a blast, but coming spring I'm bringing home a Ducati Monster s2r, the buell was at the top of the list, but the monster won me over. I definately wouldn't buy without at least checking one out.

[angeldeville]

my local Tri dealer  also has Ducati's but the one I like the looks of is $5,000-$6,000 more than I'm willing to spend, it is nice but not that nice.


it's a shame my favorite company doesn't make a better looking bike!

[cmorgan47]

go triumph

[Jeff]

From what I gather, both are pretty reliable. They had their issues in the past, but unreliable Triumphs are the old Meridan Triumphs, not the newer Hinckley ones. And the Buells before the XB series have their problems, but the XBs from what I hear are pretty bullet proof.

People who belong on bike specific forums will definitely sing the praises of their respective machines, but they'll also post about problems they're having. Forums like www.triumphrat.net, www.badweatherbikers.com and www.sport-touring.net are superb resources, as this place is for SOHC4 owners.

And pmpski is right, the Buells are serious paint shakers at idle. It's the nature of the motor... it's what they do. It's amazing how much they smooth out though when you're going down the road.

Seriously, test ride them both before you make your decision. If you have your motorcycle endorsement it should be no problem. You're gonna be spending 10 grand, so make sure you know you'll be happy with your purchase.

Jeff

[Chris Liston]

The S3 will most likely be my next bike.  I sat on the black one at my local dealer Tuesday and its pretty nice.  Its alittle tall for me when standing but you only do that 5% of the time.  I love the look of it.  Next demo day I will be going so I can actually ride the darn thing.  Hooligan all the way    

[ProTeal55]

A few months back I test rode both a Buell and a Monster.
The buell was one of the most uncomfortable bikes I have ever ridden, where the monster was
much more rider friendly.

If i had to pick from the two - the monster would be in my garage...
( my opinion )

[dusterdude]

if this is going to be a grow old bike,buy the buell,like you said you will be able to get parts for it a hundred years from now,god knows when triumph will go belly up again(even tho i hope they dont).

[Jeff]

if this is going to be a grow old bike,buy the buell,like you said you will be able to get parts for it a hundred years from now,god knows when triumph will go belly up again(even tho i hope they dont).

Boy, I don't know if I agree with that statement. Yeah, Buell has the backing of H-D, which is huge, but Triumph now is vastly different to the Triumph of the past. John Bloor is doing a superb job, and with cutting edge bikes like the 675, they don't seem to be resting on their laurels. JMO

Jeff

[pmpski_1]

A lot of people ride Ducatis, so there must be something about them that works. I talked to a guy who was selling both a Buell and a Ducati Monster, and he liked the Ducati better. He mentioned that the handling felt better and that it was easier to ride.

My boss has a Ducati.
His son has a Ducati.
2 other Co-workers ride Ducatis.
The guy down the street rides a Ducati.
The guy up the street rides a Ducati.

Maybe I just feel the need to be a little different They look nice, and I haven't heard negative things about them (except $$$ maintenance) but I haven't ever really done any research on them.

Pro-teal -  I only rode the Buell for 30 minutes or so, but I didn't feel it was uncomfortable. Maybe I was in shock from all the shaking

[pmpski_1]

if this is going to be a grow old bike,buy the buell,like you said you will be able to get parts for it a hundred years from now,god knows when triumph will go belly up again(even tho i hope they dont).

The engine is Harley, but the rest of the parts are Buell. You get them through HD dealerships, but that may not always be the case. Rumours of the relationship between HD and Buell abound. I wouldn't count on anything.

[tsflstb]

I know this isn't on your list, but Harley is supposed to be coming out with a more sporty sportster in '07.  For a "growing old" bike the riding position may suit you better than the crouch on the Buell.  I'm sure there will be plenty of product support for these in the future.

[ProTeal55]

That Skirtster is pretty sweet.

Buell eventually will branch off on their own ,as 90% of their current bikes are BUELL parts,and not HD. Even the motors in the Buell's arent the same as the ones in the Skirtsters..

Buy the Ducati - deal with the maint. - it is a better bike (my opinion)

PT55
Future Monster owner...

[sparty]

I'm very seriously considering getting a new bike, and I have narrowed it down to those 2. if anyone has any first-hand experience I would appreciate any input, or if anone has found a side by side review of these 2, I would appreciate a link!

The Buell I'm looking at is the Fire bolt XB9R
http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes/firebolt/xb9r/features.asp

And then there's the Triumph Speed Triple
http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/4527.aspx

I have looked at the Honda 919 (kinda ugly)
the BMW K1200R (very exoensive)

for what I'm looking to spend one of these may end up in my garage. I have looked at both at the deale.

I owned a Speed Triple from 1998 to 2000.  I really loved the engine and the power that it made.  I also liked the hooligan styling.  The bike would wheelie too easily and I had trouble riding the speed limit.  It was a really fun bike, it was comfortable, had great brakes and suspension.  Under full throttle and in the twisties, the frame would flex a bit, but nothing like our CBs.
I would buy one again if I wanted to spend 10K on a naked bike.  Here is a pic of what I had:

Sparty

[nickjtc]

Triumph.

I've ridden the Buells. They are fun and 'engaging' to ride. But I'm not convinced of their long-term reliability.......

[angeldeville]

I know this isn't on your list, but Harley is supposed to be coming out with a more sporty sportster in '07.  For a "growing old" bike the riding position may suit you better than the crouch on the Buell.  I'm sure there will be plenty of product support for these in the future.

actually the 2006 883R is third on my list, and I think I'm fighting the "growing old" riding position. and I do have my sohc's for that

I owned a Speed Triple from 1998 to 2000.  I really loved the engine and the power that it made.  I also liked the hooligan styling.  The bike would wheelie too easily and I had trouble riding the speed limit.  It was a really fun bike, it was comfortable, had great brakes and suspension.  Under full throttle and in the twisties, the frame would flex a bit, but nothing like our CBs.
I would buy one again if I wanted to spend 10K on a naked bike. 
Sparty

I have trouble maintaining the speed limit on my CB's, and I'd look like a hooligan on a vespa...

[ieism]

A guy from work has a 2005 speed triple. I drove it twice and liked it a lot. It feels like a much lighter bike than it is. It sounds great to IMO, and it's a forgiving engine. Pulls in every gear, even at low rpm.
I think if you testride one, you'll want one.

It's way out off my budget, but i'd love to have one.

[KCs76Cafe]

My vote goes to the Triple.  If I can ever afford one that will be my next bike.

[JP]

IMO, the Buell's are the worst imitation of a sport bike ever.  Considering that it is almost 2007- ALL manufacturers should be pretty much on an even kill with each other- I know the big 4 sure are, and the euro bikes are right in there too.  All performing on the same stage.  But American bikes?  Please.

I have ridden the 900cc buell- I think it was the lightning but I'm not sure.  It was a 2006 model, and should be in a comic strip because it was an absolute joke.  Very low on power, beyond quirky hanleing, and paint shaker vibration is in no way an exageration.

And the disclaimer:  In My Opinion

They do look good though,
JP

[sparty]

IMO, the Buell's are the worst imitation of a sport bike ever.  Considering that it is almost 2007- ALL manufacturers should be pretty much on an even kill with each other- I know the big 4 sure are, and the euro bikes are right in there too.  All performing on the same stage.  But American bikes?  Please.

I have ridden the 900cc buell- I think it was the lightning but I'm not sure.  It was a 2006 model, and should be in a comic strip because it was an absolute joke.  Very low on power, beyond quirky hanleing, and paint shaker vibration is in no way an exageration.

And the disclaimer:  In My Opinion

They do look good though,
JP

Buells - They are well designed other than the engine.  A V-Twin can't compete with an inline four, just ask Ducati...

Sparty

[nickjtc]

IMO, the Buell's are the worst imitation of a sport bike ever.

You cannot fault Erik Buell for doing what he passionately believed in: making an American sport bike with an existing home grown motor. And his engineering solutions are certainly worthy of note (wheel rim brakes, fuel in frame, oil in swing arm). The huge pity is that the 'faithful' still deride the bikes for all that, simply because it doesn't say HD on the tank.